IRF-LEADTOP
USER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
In the 1700s the first Newcomen Steam Engines were designed and constructed in the heart of England, in the midlands; a 100 years later the skies were black with smog from burning furnaces, fuelling the legendary industrial revolution. This was the beginning of the Black Country. As the fire and brimstone that once scorched the sky began to fade, another type of metal was born:
Heavy Metal; the beating twisted heart of the Black Country.
The IRONHEART FOUNDRY series is forged from fire and iron right at the heart of the Black Country, the legendary furnaces rekindled to create a beast.
We, tone blacksmiths of the midlands, have created a tiny monster.
We call it the IRF-LEADTOP, a 60-Watt amplifier in a mini head format. It’s soul, formed from the IRONHEART that resides in the home of industrial revolution, is designed in the UK by Laney’s dedicated tone team.
Set to CLEAN, you get crisp clear cleans with sparkle and warmth, while switching to LEAD is all about the gain. It can deliver gut punching tones at lower gains to full on roars when turned up. The Lead channel features lead bright, flat and lead dark options you can set to your choice.
The 3 Band EQ section is the tonal offspring of the legendary IRONHEART valve heads, capturing all their nuances and flexibility. This traditional passive tone stack with complex interactivity never sounds bad.
The IRF-LEADTOP features a fully transformer isolated FX loop for a pure, noise free, high-quality signal.
An auxiliary input and emulated headphone output makes the IRF-LEADTOP ideal for practicing at home or on the move.
And then, if you dare, the last control. If you weren’t already maddened by the insanity of the IRFLEADTOP, the switchable BOOST is there to tip you over the limit.
Push your drive tones further and feel the very soul of the IRONHEART pour out.
And yes, it may be small but it’s LOUD, you can choose just how loud this monster is by the switchable WATTS control on the rear panel, Max, or <1W ideal for the bedroom.
FEATURES
- 60 Watts RMS
- Single channel with clean and lead modes
- Selectable bright, natural and dark voicing
- 3 band passive EQ tone stack
- Switchable pre-boost with level control
- Loudspeaker output
- High and low power modes (low power <1W)
- Effects loop (Transformer isolated)
- Aux IN
- Headphone output
- 100-240V universal voltage power supply included (24V/2.5A)
CONTROLS
FRONT PANEL
- INPUT SOCKET
Plug in the input jack from your guitar here, suits any standard 6.3mm mono jack. - BOOST CONTROL
The boost control is an additional gain setting that acts as a boost pedal in front of your LEADTOP, driving your signal for more distortion. The LED above the control indicates when it is active. Ensure the switch is set to on when using a footswitch to control it. It is especially pleasing when used to push the clean into slight breakup. - TONE AND VOLUME SETTINGS
Use the gain and volume settings to obtain the desired level for your LEADTOP.
• CLEAN / LEAD SWITCH – Switch this to lead for a higher gain, more easily distorted channel that provides more drive than the clean setting.
The voicing switch provides further control over your tone. In the Centre it’s neutral but can be switched to either bright or dark
• NEUTRAL – No change to your signal.
• BRIGHT – Extends the high frequencies and slightly dulls the low end.
• DARK – Boosts the low-end frequencies adding some warmth to your tone, whilst reducing the power of the high frequencies. - EQ SETTINGS
A 3 band EQ stack to further modify your sound. The three controls are linked in such a way that wherever you have them, the LEADTOP will provide you with a musical tone.
• BASS – Adjusts the strength of the low-end response, gives a deeper sound when turned clockwise.
• MIDDLE – Adjusts the strength of the mid-range response, giving a fuller sound when turned up.
• TREBLE – Adjusts the strength of the top-end response, boosting the brighter higher notes.
BACK PANEL
- HEADPHONE JACK
3.5mm jack to connect your headphones for silent practice. The headphones out socket is fully cabinet emulated to always sound great. The loudspeaker socket is muted when headphones are used. - AUX SOCKET
3.5mm jack to plug in any audio playing device to add a backing mix to your guitar track. This is added in after the FX loop. - EFFECTS LOOP
6.3mm input and output jacks.
• FX SEND / LINE OUT (TRANSFORMER ISOLATED) – A multi-purpose output that can be used as a line level output or as an F send to your other gear such as your pedal board or rack.
• FX RETURN – Connect the output for your FX loop gear back to the LEADTOP. All the signal is sent through your external gear when connected, so inserting a jack here will break the signal path. - REMOTE SOCKET
6.3mm jack to plug in a foot switch to control the pre-boost function. The tip of the jack will control the boost. Ensure the boost control is switched on to allow it to be controlled. Recommended to use a Laney FS1-Mini (not included) - LOUDSPEAKER OUTPUT
Connect to any 8ohm (minimum) or 16ohm passive speaker cabinet to unleash the power of the LEADTOP.
Do NOT connect to any other gear such as an effects unit or another amplifier input. - POWER
Plug in the provided 100-240V~ power supply here. On/off switch to isolate the power. We suggest keeping the LEADTOP switched off when not in use. The front grille will light up to indicate the LEADTOP is powered on.
HOW TO CONNECT THE LEADTOP
INTO A PASSIVE CAB
Plug directly into a passive cabinet using the loudspeaker out socket
WITH AN FX LOOP
Connect your effects pedalboard to the FX loop of the LEADTOP.
HEADPHONES AND AUX IN FOR SILENT PRACTICE
The LEADTOP’s high quality headphone output can be connected for silent practice. It is optimised for high impedance headphones, commonly the 33ohm or above, though any can be used.
Add a backing track via the 3.5mm AUX connection. Plug in the aux/headphone output of any media player, control its level on your device.
EXAMPLE SETTINGS
CLEAN
CRUNCH
RHYTHM
LEAD
SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | IRF-LEADTOP |
| Type | Guitar Amplifier Head |
| Input Impedance | 1 MQ |
| Line Output Impedance | 1000 |
| Minimum Speaker Impedance | 80 |
| Amplifier Power | 60W RMS (Switchable to <1W) |
| Controls | Gain, Volume with Clean, Rhythm, Lead switch and Natural, Bright, dark switch. Input pre-boost level and footswitch with LED indicator. Bass, Middle, treble controls. On/Off soft start power switch, DI out emulation on/off and ground link switches |
| Inputs | 6.3mm (1/41 Mono Instrument Input Jack 3.5mm stereo aux in jack |
| Outputs | 6.3mm (1/4′) Mono Speaker Output Jack 6.3mm FX Send (Transformer Isolated), 6,3mm FX Return jack, Balanced Male XLR DI out, 3.5mm stereo headphone jack |
| Power Supply | Regulated 24V 2.5A 60W DC PSU Included: centre Positive, 2.1 x 5.5 x 12mm connector type |
| Typical Power Consumption | 60W |
| Unit dimensions (HWD) | 161 x 287 x 182mm, (6.3″ x 11.3′ x 7.2″) |
| Unit weight | 3.5Kg, (7.7 Ibs) |
| Carton dimensions (HWD) | 205 x 420 x 230mm, (8.1″ x 16.5″ x 9.1″), 0.02 M3 |
| Packed Weight | 4.1Kg, (9 Ibs) |
| EAN Code (Single) | 5060109458541 |
| Master Carton Dimensions (HWD) | 235 x 475 x 440mm, (9.3″ x 18.7″ x 17.3″), 0.049 M3 |
| Master Shipping Carton Weight | 9.1Kg, (20.1 Ibs) |
| EAN Code (Shipping) | 5060109458558 (2 pcs) |
DIMENSIONS (in mm)
SAFETY AND WARNINGS
In order to take full advantage of your new product and enjoy long and trouble free performance, please read this owner’s manual carefully, and keep it in a safe place for future reference.
- Unpacking: On unpacking your product please check carefully for any signs of damage that may have occurred whilst in transit from the Laney factory to your dealer. In the unlikely event that there has been damage, please re-pack your unit in its original carton and consult your dealer. We strongly advise you to keep your original transit carton, since in the unlikely event that your unit should develop a fault, you will be able to return it to you dealer for rectification securely packed.
- Amplifier Connection: In order to avoid damage, Generally it is advisable to establish and follow a pattern for turning on and off your system. With all system parts connected, turn on source equipment, mixers, effects processors etc, BEFORE turning on your amplifier.
lany products have large transient surges at turn on and off which can cause damage to your speakers. By turning on ){our amplifier LAST and making sure its level control is set to a minimum, any transients from other equipment should not reach yourloud speakers.
Wiaittill all system parts have stabilised, usually a couple of seconds. Similarly when turning off your system always turn down the level controls on your amplifier and then turn off its power before turning off other equipment. - Cables: Never use shielded or microphone cable for any speaker connections as this will not be substantial enough to handle the amplifier load and could cause damage to your complete system. Use good quality shielded cables everywhere else.
- Servicing: The user should not attempt to service these products. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- An apparatus with Class | construction shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective connection. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fitting to your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories provided by the manufacturer.
- Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- The mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily operable. The user should allow easy access to any mains filug, mains coupler and mains switch used in conjunction with this unit thus making it readily operable. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all senvicing to qualified senvice personnel. Servicing is enquired when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- Never break off the ground pin. Connect only to a power supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.
- If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
- Note for UK only: If the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this unit do not correspond with the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
o The wire that is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal that is marked by the letter E, the earth symbol, coloured green or coloured green and yellow.
o The wire thatis coloured blue must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter N or the colour black.
o The wire thatis coloured brown must be connected to the terminal that is marked with the letter L or the colour red. - This electrical apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and care should be taken not to place objects containing liquids, such as vases, upon the apparatus.
- Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures: According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could resultin some hearing loss. Earplugs or protectors to the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a permanent hearing loss, if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit s in operation.
- If your appliance features a tilting mechanism or a kickback style cabinet, please use this design feature with caution. Due to the ease with which the amplifier can be moved between straight and tilted back positions, only use the amplifier on a level, stable surface. DO NOT operate the amplifier on a desk, table, shelf or otherwise unsuitable non-stable platform.
- Symbols & nomenclature used on the product and in the product manuals, intended to alert the operator to areas where extra caution may be necessary, are as follows:
CAUTION:Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated ‘Dangerous Voltage’ within the products enclosure that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons. 
WARNING:Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (Servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product. CAUTION Risk of electrical shock – DO NOT OPEN. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Before using this appliance please read the operating instructions for further warnings. 
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference
2) This device must accept any interference received, that may cause undesired operation.
Warning: Changes or modification to the equipment not approved by Laney can void the user’s authority to use the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation
between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This product conforms to the requirements of the following European Regulations, Directives & Rules: CE Mark (93/68/EEC), Low Voltage (2014/35/EU), EMC (2014/30/EU), RoHS (2011/65/EU), ErP (2009/125/EU) SIMPLIFIED EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Hereby, Laney Electronics Ltd. declares that the radio equipment is in compliance with Directives 2014/53/EU, 2011/65/EU, 2009/125/EU. Full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: http://support.laney.co.uk/approvals
The object of the declaration described above is in conformity with the relevant statutory requirement Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016, The Restriction of the use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012, The Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information, (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2012 
In order to reduce environmental damage, at the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of along with normal household waste to landfill sites. It must be taken to an approved recycling centre according to the recommendations of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive applicable in your country.
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STEELPARK ROAD, COOMBSWOOD BUSINESS PARK WEST, HALESOWEN, B62 8HD. UK FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWWW.LANEY.CO.UK
INTHE INTEREST OF CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT, LANEY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AMEND PRODUCT SPECIFICATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION.
Documents / Resources
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Laney IRF-LEADTOP Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine [pdf] User Manual IRF-LEADTOP Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, IRF-LEADTOP, Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, Channel Portable Tone Machine, Portable Tone Machine, Tone Machine |
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Laney IRF-LEADTOP Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine [pdf] User Manual IRF-LEADTOP Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, IRF-LEADTOP, Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, Channel Portable Tone Machine, Portable Tone Machine, Tone Machine |
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Laney IRF-LEADTOP Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine [pdf] User Manual IRF-LEADTOP Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, IRF-LEADTOP, Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, Channel Portable Tone Machine, Portable Tone Machine, Tone Machine |
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Laney IRF-LEADTOP Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine [pdf] User Manual IRF-LEADTOP Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, IRF-LEADTOP, Compact Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, Single Channel Portable Tone Machine, Channel Portable Tone Machine, Portable Tone Machine, Tone Machine |
Laney Amplification - Since 1967 